I’m looking to make contact with other fitness professionals who deliver fitness programs for persons with dementia

Hi Ronald,

it is certainly not something that I do routinely but I had a client a few years back.

What I have learned from him it the need for flexibility in approach. Not so much with the exercises but that the state of mind can be quite different from one time to the next, and I never quite knew into which of his realities I would step into when I saw him.

He did well with exercises that tapped into things he had done before. He had been an avid golfer, and his club became one of our exercise tools. I also found that he preferred repetition and predictability with exercises. It was not easy to introduce something new.

And that one thing you will need a lot of: PATIENCE.

I wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

Hi Karin

Many thanks for your reply. Oh yes, patience is essential as well as adopting to the clients mind frame at that moment. Your golf suggestion is a brilliant idea and definitely going to explore such avenues.

Thank you for your time and parting of your knowledge, I do appreciate it.

Best regards
Ronald
www.gyminmotion.com

Hello Ronald Gladwell,
Going with the flow in that moment they are in works best with being able to change gears at a moment’s notice, sometimes without the notice. Pay very close attention and do what it takes to keep the person safe and happy so they keep moving. Motivation, motivation and motivation for the individual’s mindset.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.

I have not worked with a dementia client yet. I have however worked with many TBI, Parkinson’s, and other neurologic issue clients. I try to connect with each client on an individual level. Things like finding out what they enjoy doing for entertainment, sports teams they support, hobbies, etc. Then I make an effort to engage them in conversation about those things during workouts.

One thing that I have found to be helpful for those with cognitive issues, is to stand next to them and perform the motion they are doing as I cue it and as they do the motion, especially if they are having trouble using the correct form. Often, these clients will slip into doing an exercise incorrectly as soon as I stop helping them focus. So, I often have to do a virtual workout right along with them.

I think this is a great idea 🙂
What about stopping a nursing home or a facility that has dementia as one of their specialties! I bet the physical therapists there would love to help you with ideas that are appropriate with your level of training…
If you don’t have luck with one PT try another and/or another facility. If they love what they do they’ll be stoked to help someone else!